At least four people, including a child, were wounded in a shooting Sunday evening near the Space Needle during the Bite of Seattle food festival, Seattle police said. The incident prompted a large police response and an ongoing investigation.
Officers were dispatched to the Seattle Centre after reports of gunfire and multiple victims. Police posted on X that shots were fired at the Seattle Centre, that there were multiple shooting victims, and asked the public to avoid the area while they investigated. Authorities said they would release more information as it became available.
A hospital spokesperson told the Associated Press that the injured were taken to Harborview Medical Center. Officials have not confirmed the total number of people injured beyond the initial report of at least four, nor have they confirmed any fatalities. Police have not announced any arrests.
The shooting occurred while hundreds of people attended the Bite of Seattle, an annual event featuring local food vendors and live music. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots and described panic as attendees fled. Some people were knocked over amid the rush to escape.
One witness, 25-year-old Estan Wakonabo, told The Seattle Times he returned to the scene and saw several people with gunshot wounds on the ground and a body covered by a yellow sheet; police have not confirmed any deaths. Videos on social media showed people running, first responders arriving and a heavy police presence at the Seattle Centre. Some posts claimed a suspect had been detained, but police have not confirmed that.
In the aftermath, the Seattle Monorail suspended service for the rest of Sunday and said normal operations would resume Monday morning. The investigation remains active, and officials said they will provide updates as they gather more information.
Local agencies contributed reporting to this account.